Funding for Safe Routes to School

Since 2007, WisDOT has distributed approximately $17 million in federal funds for projects that make biking and walking to school a safer and more appealing means of transportation. Certain state, local and regional agencies are eligible to apply for Safe Routes to School infrastructure, non-infrastructure, and planning funds.

There are two pots of federal dollars currently available for Safe Routes to School programs and projects. The first pot is from the old transportation law (SAFETEA-LU), and does not require matching funds. This pot is still available in many states, find out about Wisconsin here. The second pot of money is from the Transportation Alternatives Program, in the current transportation bill (MAP-21), and it requires local matching funds. Find out how the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is handling this transition here.

State Outreach Programs

Free and low cost trainings will be offered throughout the state in the months preceding Transportation Alternatives Program application cycles. WisDOT hosts a statewide email listserv that provides information regarding funding and training opportunities, Safe Routes to School studies and reports, as well as other useful information. Instructions on joining the email list and other WisDOT SRTS resources are available at the WisDOT Safe Routes to School website.

Wisconsin has developed a Safe Routes to School Toolkit with supplemental CD. Broken down into downloadable sections, the Toolkit includes the materials necessary to help communities at any stage of the process plan a successful Safe Routes to School program.

State Advisory Committee

Wisconsin had a state advisory committee that participated in selection of Safe Routes to School projects. Safe Routes to School experts will continue to participate in the rating and ranking of WisDOT Transportation Alternatives Program applications .

Wisconsin Partner Affiliates

Find out which organizations in your state have pledged their support for the Safe Routes to School movement. If your organization isn't yet a partner affilate, we would love for you to join us; it's free! Find more info on joining here.

Existing Legislation and Policies

More info coming soon.

Success Stories

If you would like to submit a success story for consideration, please email it to Margaux Mennesson.

On December 4, 2012, Governor Scott Walker today announced grants totaling $3,388,573, which will assist 17 Wisconsin communities with Safe Routes to School projects in 2013. The federally-funded reimbursement program encourages children in grades K-8 to walk or bike to school, when safe and practical.

“We are proud to partner with local communities to develop safe bicycling and walking accommodations for our students,” said Governor Walker. “Promoting these forms of transportation creates healthy habits at a young age.”

2013 projects include multi-use trails, bike racks, traffic calming, sidewalk improvements, bike and pedestrian education, and enforcement activities. Of the 17 projects, five are for planning purposes, while 12 are for infrastructure improvements to support existing Safe Routes to School programs.

Since 2007, WisDOT has distributed approximately $13 million in federal funds for projects that make biking and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative. Additional information about WisDOT’s Safe Routes to School program is online at: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/aid/saferoutes.htm.